On the morning of December 4, 2024, at the Government Office, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh chaired the December 2024 Government meeting on legislative development. During the session, members of the Government discussed and provided feedback on the proposal to amend and supplement certain articles of the Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation presented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Earlier, on December 2, 2024, the Government Office issued Notice No. 541/TB-VPCP summarizing the conclusions of the Government Standing Committee regarding the proposal to amend and supplement certain articles of the Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

Based on the report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the statements of leaders from various ministries and agencies, the Government Standing Committee concluded and highly appreciated the Ministry of Industry and Trade for taking the lead and coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies in preparing the proposal dossier for the amendment and supplementation of certain articles of the Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation and submitting it to the Government in accordance with regulations.

The announcement emphasized the critical importance of efficiency and conservation of energy use, especially as energy demand is expected to rise significantly shortly. This is one of the five key areas requiring attention in the power sector (power generation, transmission, distribution, efficient and economical use of electricity, and electricity pricing).

Fully and accurately institutionalize the Party's policies and directives on using energy efficiency and conservation.

Continue reviewing laws and related regulations on energy conservation and efficiency; inherit provisions that have been proven effective in practice; and supplement regulations to address the shortcomings and challenges of existing laws and practical developments, with the overarching goal of meeting energy demands.

The drafting of the law must follow the principle of focusing only on framework issues, being concise, and directly addressing policy matters. For the responsibilities of ministries and sectors, the Government should be assigned to make the allocations. Administrative procedures should be reduced, and maximum decentralization should be implemented to enable localities and businesses to take initiative. Ensure consistency and synchronization with related legal provisions.

Policy development should carefully consider mobilizing resources from the public, society, and external sources, minimizing reliance on state budgets, including the establishment of a national financial fund to promote energy efficiency and conservation.

While developing consulting services is essential, policies should be crafted to ensure transparency, fairness, and effective utilization of consulting expertise.

The Government Office requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to refine the law project, incorporating feedback to propose feasible new policy solutions and submit it to the National Assembly for approval at the 9th Session (June 2025) according to the one-session process.

These adjustments aim to address existing shortcomings in the current Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, creating new momentum and incentives for effective energy utilization.